6th Sep 2005, 15:02

You have spent $1750 on a $40,000 luxury car over 3 years, the car has 75,000 miles on it, and you call it unreliable? Me thinks you doth protest too much! Maybe a Ford Taurus would be more reliable and less expensive to repair, but my God, you'd have to drive a Ford Taurus!!!

My 1999 A6 Avant Quattro has been in shop 3 times in the last year (for very minor things), but I still love it!

29th Sep 2005, 10:04

Have 99 A6 with all the works, it's my 3rd Audi, first was a 85 "5000" purch. used with 80k km, sold with 300k km, one major repair (96k km) was the differential, the pinion locked due to no oil in housing. Service failed to check separate housing from under the car other than pulling dipstick for auto transmission. Did the work myself (was GM mechanic) installed new front plate $450, two bearings and gaskets total can $ 900, yes and replaced head gasket approx. $90.The next was a classy 93-"5000" pearl white Quatro, purch. used with 75k km. At about 190k km replaced water pump and timing belt. One stormy winter night the car collided with road embankment, right front fender gone and 200k on the clock; car was declared a total loss. This was the car almost for life with all the toys.

Of course the next was to be an Audi, 99-A6 did not look as good, got used to it. What I love most is the stainless material exhaust sytem, no more yearly repairs here as on my all other cars in my lifetime. Replaced water-pump and timing belt at 99k km and one suspension arm. And now the alarm is acting up in last night's rainstorm. Have no clue where to start. It is still a great car, a sporty limo. I like it hope to be my last I'm retired now.

1999 Audi A6 Avant 2.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

Nice car with some quality problems

Faults:

CD changer replaced twice.

Sunroof switch replaced.

Fuel tank crossover switch replaced twice.

Rain Sensor wipers never worked correctly.

General Comments:

Generally a very nice car, especially compared to the Volvo it replaced. Beautiful driving auto with an awesome stereo. But... Ran out of gas in the middle of the desert because of the fuel tank problem, called 24hr. Audi service and they had someone there in 15min. I have no idea how they did that. Many small problems started (switches, etc.) just before warranty was going to run out so we decided to trade it in, just didn't feel that we could depend on it. Customer service was wonderful.

1999 Audi A6 2.8 Quattro from North America

Summary:

It's class all the way!

Faults:

Replaced driver side home-link visor at 10,000.

Replaced heated steering wheel at 12,000.

Replaced compressor fan at 56,000.

General Comments:

I love this car. I was looking for a luxury car that didn't send the message that I'm an old fart. The A6 sends a classy message while stating that you're still young and active. Yup, it makes one heck of a classy ski rig with the AWD. I've got over 50000 miles on it and it still looks and drives like new. I was at a gas station the other day checking my oil, and a high school kid walks by and says, "cool car". Now that helped make my aging body feel younger!

Mechanically, I've had no problems whatsoever. I did have to replace the condenser fan ($180) because it was making some noise, but that's been about it. Being an AWD, it's a bit heavy for the 2.8 liter engine. Not that there isn't power, it just lacks the spunk of a bimmer. However, this is offset by the tiptronic transmission. Using the tiptronic like a stick shift (without the clutch) gives it all the acceleration I need. So I tend to use the tiptronic while my wife is more comfortable using the automatic. Perfect compromise!